While reviewing the record of protest movements in the country, I came across the story of the "Hyatt 10." On July 8, 2005, eight Cabinet secretaries and two bureau heads tendered their irrevocable resignation and urged then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to emulate their example, during a press conference at the Pasay City hotel that became the name tag of their cohort.

The Hyatt 10 was composed of Education Secretary Florencio Abad, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles, National Anti-Poverty Commission Sec. Imelda Nicolas, Trade and Industry Sec. Juan Santos, Budget and Management Sec. Emilia Boncodin, Finance Sec. Cesar Purisima, Social Welfare and Development Sec. Dinky Soliman, Agrarian Reform Sec. Rene Villa, Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina, and Internal Revenue Commissioner Guillermo Parayno.

Explaining their unprecedented move, they declared that by voluntarily stepping down from office, the President “can swiftly restore normalcy and eventually bring us to prosperity.” They observed that she was deeply embroiled in the “Hello Garci” controversy that eroded public confidence and undercut her effectiveness as Chief Executive. In their view, allowing the constitutional successor, then Vice President Noli de Castro, to take over would help rebuild credibility to governance at the highest level.

That same evening, then Speaker Jose de Venecia convened leaders of the ruling Lakas party at Sulo Hotel in Quezon City. Their declaration of support encouraged President Arroyo to shrug off the demand to resign. She weathered the storm and went on to complete her term in 2010.

At this time of turmoil in our national life, it is well to reflect and consider options for restoring political stability in our land.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla was sworn in the other day as the new Ombudsman and he is poised to take on the prosecution of those implicated in the massive flood control corruption scandal that has triggered waves of protest actions across the country.

While browsing one’s mobile phone, a panorama of activism unfolds. Former Rep. Teddy Casiño post on the walkout staged by De La Salle students in front of their Taft Avenue campus emerges. Their energetic chant: “D-L-S-U, Tama na korap!” This scene is replicated in Legazpi, Laoag, Tuguegarao, San Fernando, Olongapo, Baguio, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, and Butuan.

Before and after the Sept. 21 twin rallies at the Luneta and the People Power monument, continuing mass demonstrations reflect a crescendo of critical opposition that shows no signs of cooling off.

The new Ombudsman takes office at a time of high expectations that those responsible for malversation of the national budget on a grand scale will be brought to justice and pay for their misdeeds.

As a college student in the University of the Philippines during Dekada ’70, I witnessed and experienced how youth-led protest movements could create awareness about the ills of society and eventually shape what historian Renato Constantino called a “counter-consciousness” that would serve as catalyst for social change toward economic self-sufficiency and social justice.

EDSA People Power triumphed in 1986 as an offshoot of pent-up discontent over the prolonged presidential tenure of Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. following his declaration of martial law in 1972.

The Fidel Ramos presidency rode out a crippling power crisis and the Asian financial crisis and before bowing out, led the nation in celebrating 200 years of Philippine independence. Then movie actor Joseph Ejercito Estrada became President in 1998, riding a wave of populism that bannered the slogan “Erap para sa mahirap” and won the affection of the impoverished masses.

Yet, it turned out to a short-lived interlude that was disrupted midstream by his impeachment in the House of Representatives. The 23-day impeachment trial was abruptly ended when senator-judges poised to convict him walked out of the proceedings. This brought the people to the EDSA Shrine to witness the Armed Forces top brass’ withdrawal of support that paved the way for Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s assumption on Jan. 20, 2021, nearly 15 years after Corazon Aquino became President on the strength of People Power.

Tension between the Marcos and Duterte camps is mounting in the aftermath of Remulla’s appointment as Ombudsman. Aside from prosecuting those implicated in the flood control mess, public demand for the revival of the questionable use of the Vice President’s substantial confidential funds, including those allocated during her tenure as Education Secretary is gaining momentum after this was deftly archived during Chiz Escudero’s Senate presidency.

While partisans may opt to view this scenario narrowly from parochial perspectives, these current developments strike at the heart of governance. “Public office is a public trust.” This is a cardinal constitutional concept that cannot be shelved whenever convenient. It is an essential element of democratic governance. Elected officials and those appointed to high office are accountable to the people. They must eschew extravagance and lead simple lives.

I was fortunate to have been brought up by parents who were lifelong civil servants. Our family was supported entirely by their earnings and savings. They worked hard to ensure that we reap the benefits of good education, and they encouraged us to excel in our individual pursuits.

Far be it for us to flaunt extravagance in the manner of the present-day "nepo babies" parading their luxurious properties and perks in social media. We are truly grateful for life’s blessings and nurture hopes that our country will overcome present-day obstacles, in the same way we have weathered past crises, and that a truly auspicious future beckons.

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